Skyhawks SA May 2014
Transcription
Skyhawks SA May 2014
Shows News Movements Skyhawks over Israel As always, Israeli aircraft losses are hard to trace. So far we have collected some 100 Skyhawk losses. The first reported loss was a 109sq A-4H flown by Ya’acov Agassi, on 29 January 1968. The pilot ejected and was taken prisoner of war. This again seems odd as the first reported combat mission was over two weeks later. As only four aircraft had been delivered by then (03, 05, 07, 09), #07 seems to be the only candidate because the other three appear in pictures taken in April 1968. First combat use of the Skyhawk came on 15 February 1968, when 109sq bombed Jordanian artillery and Palestinian terrorist bases along the Jordanian border. An amazing achievement considering that the A-4s had arrived only six weeks earlier. A second order for 42 additional A-4Hs and ten During the 1968-1970 War of Attrition the IAF lost eight A-4s, increasingly to new Egyptian SAM-2/3 sites constructed along the Suez Canal. However, not all was bad. On 12 May 1970, 109sq CO Ezra Dotan flying A-4H #03, achieved a remarkable success by shooting down two Syrian MiG-17s over Lebanon, making him an ace. The first MiG was shot down with a salvo of unguided rockets, the second using the recently installed 30 mm cannons (replacing the unreliable 20 mm guns). These kills remain the only IAF Skyhawk air-to-air victories to date. Articles By Marco Pennings, Israel editor for Scramble Magazine Israeli interest in the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk was first aroused in the early 60’s when Douglas sought export customers for its lightweight attack aircraft, and IAF commander Ezer Weitzman was looking for a replacement for the IAF Ouragan and Mystere IV fighters. However, political considerations pushed back the first contract to 18 March 1966, when 48 downgraded A-4Fs were ordered. Most offensive equipment was removed, but a brake parachute and UHF antenna atop the vertical fin were added. Pilot training in the US started on 17 May 1967, but the four pilots involved were recalled to participate in the Six Day War of June 1967. Pilot training continued after the war, and 85 flight hrs were absorbed on A-4E/TA-4Fs with VA-44 and VA-45 at Cecil Field. These downgraded A-4Fs were re-designated A-4H, and the first four arrived by sea in Haifa harbour, under Operation Rugby, on 29 December 1967. Acceptance was on the next day and the first flight of an A-4H was on 1 January 1968 by 109 squadron at Ramat David. These A-4s replaced the Mystere IVAs which were transferred to 116sq. In Israeli service, the Skyhawk was named Ayit, Hebrew for Eagle. Next unit to receive the A-4H was co-located 102 squadron on 13 June 1968. Four days later, 102sq moved to its temporary home at Hatzor. Exactly one year later, on 17 June 1969, they moved into Hatzerim where they are still located today. TA-4H trainers/FACs was approved by US president Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration on 26 February 1968. The first of these A-4Hs arrived in the port of Ashdod on 19 March 1969, and all TA-4Hs were delivered in 1969. These Skyhawks reinforced 102sq and formed newly activated 115 squadron at Tel Nof. To counter the new Egyptian SAM-sites, Israel appealed the US for help, and US president Richard M. Nixon approved the transfer of sixty USN/USMC surplus A-4Es together with AGM-45 Shrike radar homing air-to-ground missiles and AGM-62 Walleye optically guided glide bombs. The first of these A-4Es arrived in the port of Ashdod on 18 February 1971. 116 squadron at Tel Nof was the first to receive these aircraft, and 25 Skyhawks replaced their ageing Mystere IVAs. 110 squadron, flying the mighty Vautour from Ramat David, started training on the Skyhawk when four A-4Hs were loaned from neighbouring 109sq in March 1971. In July 1971, 110sq received its first shipment of A-4Es. When the number of Skyhawks in service topped the 100mark, squadrons added a third identity cipher in front of the double-digit serials: 102sq 109sq 110sq 115sq 116sq FSATS 7xx serials 1xx serials 2xx serials 3xx serials 2xx serials 5xx serials (TA-4F), 4xx serials (TA-4J) The actual 1971 A-4E delivery schedule remains somewhat of a mystery: Reports from Israel suggest that Operation Rugby 1 Scramble The A-4 Skyhawk in Israeli service Trips For some a familiar sight, for others high on a wish-list; a gaggle of four 102sq A-4N AyitMs wait for their take-off permission for yet another training sortie from one of Hatzerim’s runways. (30 October 2012, Piet Luijken) Movements D covered three deliveries; 25 A-4Es to 116sq in February 1971, a similar number to 110sq in July 1971 and the remaining to 102sq in late 1971. However, US sources give a different schedule; ca 30 delivered in 1971 and a similar number in 1972. In addition, four ex-US TA-4Fs were received in 1972-1973, and six new TA-4Js arrived between October 1972 and February 1973. The TA-4Js (with TA-4H, A-4E and A-4H) formed the nucleus of the Flight School Advanced Training Squadron (FSATS) which was formed as a dedicated pilot training squadron at Hatzerim on 8 October 1972. News Shows On 4 March 1971, the Nixon administration approved the sale of a much-improved A-4 version; the A-4N. The A-4N was a baseline A-4M airframe and engine (the A-4M was an improved A-4F), fitted with Israeli avionics, HUD and 30 mm DEFA type 552 cannons. First flight of the A-4N was on 8 June 1972 and deliveries started late November 1972. Total orders placed must have been for 110 aircraft, as seven attrition replacements were added after the Yom Kippur war. 115sq at Tel Nof was the first unit to receive the ultimate Skyhawk model, replacing the A-4H. To start its conversion process, 116sq received four A-4Ns on loan from co-located 115sq on 10 January 1973. With the influx of new airframes and reshuffling of the A-4 fleet, a new squadron was formed at Etzion in the Sinai on 1 August 1973: 140 squadron had received eight A-4Es on loan from 116sq in January 1973, and was to receive the remainder as 116sq received more A-4Ns. As of 6 October 1973, Skyhawk deliveries totalled at least 190 aircraft, with total losses until then reported as ten aircraft. Trips Deliveries by 6 October 1973: A-4H 90 102sq, 109sq, 115sq, FSATS TA-4H 10 102sq, FSATS A-4E 60 102sq, 110sq, 116sq, 140sq TA-4F 4109sq TA-4J 6FSATS A-4N >18 115sq, 116sq Articles This means that ca 180 aircraft were available on 6 October 1973, the start of the Yom Kippur war. Israeli sources report 162 A-4E/H/N and TA-4F/H/J in service at the start of the war. It could be that these are only the serviceable aircraft. At the start of the war, 116sq returned its A-4Ns to 115sq and reclaimed its A-4Es from 140sq. 140sq also gave some A-4Es to 110sq. It is safe to assume that the FSATS distributed all its combat-ready A-4H aircraft to the fighter squadrons, leaving the new TA-4Js out of the conflict. With the simultaneous attacks of Egypt and Syria at 14:00 hrs on Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, Skyhawks were again thrust into battle. 115sq was fully mission capable with its new A-4Ns, and was tasked with air base strikes and Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD). The A-4E squadrons were primarily tasked with Close Air Support (CAS). The A-4H units were in trouble because their aircraft were being upgraded with the Crystal weapons delivery and navigation system. Some had completed the upgrade, others were in progress and more were still unmodified and deemed unserviceable. However, five 24-aircraft squadrons were fully operational with sufficient reserves. 6-24 October 1973 Yom Kippur war Skyhawk OrBat and combat statistics: 109sq Ramat David A-4H/TA-4F 994 sorties 13 lost 110sq Ramat David A-4E 1136 sorties 11 lost 115sq Tel Nof A-4N 750 sorties 7 lost 116sq Tel Nof A-4E 823 sorties 5 lost 102sq Hatzerim A-4H/TA-4H 992 sorties 17 lost FSATS Hatzerim TA-4J did not participate 0 lost Totals: 4695 sorties 53 lost During the first days of the war, confusion and mission ineffectiveness reigned as air-superiority had not yet been established and targets were unclear. This resulted in heavy losses, with ten Skyhawks shot down on the first full day of the war (7 October). This was also the blackest day of the war with 23 fast-jet losses...a full squadron! A total of 107 aircraft and helicopters were lost during the war. 50% of these were Skyhawks, as a total of 53 aircraft were lost over the Egyptian (32) and Syrian (21) fronts in sixteen days of combat (last loss was on 21 October). 27 pilots were killed in action. Emergency aid from the US started arriving on 17 October. A total of 46 A-4E/Fs is reported to have been received; thirty arrived by air and were used in the war flying some 85 operational sorties. Sixteen arrived by sea, on board the USS Independ- Scramble A-4s at Hatzerim are generally seen flying in a clean configuration. However, sometimes you can catch them fully loaded like 102sq A-4N AyitM 309 returning from a training mission with two drop tanks and some rocket pods. (Hatzerim, 6 May 2008, Marco Pennings) 2 Movements News Shows The second Skyhawk type used in numbers by 102sq at Hatzerim is the TA-4J AyitM, and 40-year old 703 sporting a TA-4H-style fin still looks like it can go on forever. (Hatzerim, 30 October 2012, Piet Luijken) A-4E A-4E A-4F 21oct1973 25oct1973 possibly 17oct1973 Post October 1973, fifteen new TA-4J(H) models were received. These are TA-4Js modified with TA-4H features such as the square fin-tip, but are called TA-4J in IAF service. With the arrival of more A-4E/Ns and the TA-4Js, the Skyhawk fleet serials were reorganized: Serials: TA-4F 1xx A-4H 2xx A-4N 3xx and 4xx TA-4H 5xx A-4F6xx TA-4J 7xx A-4E 8xx ex 5xx ex 1xx, 3xx, 7xx ex 1xx, 7xx ex 4xx ex 2xx 116sq briefly used its emergency aid A-4Es and finally converted to the A-4N from 25 November 1973. Its A-4Es were transferred to 140sq which had been re-activated on 18 November 1973 at Etzion. 140sq also received some A-4Es from 110sq. As fourth A-4N unit, 140sq received its first new A-4Ns from the last batch on order on 20 May 1976. Its A-4Es were used to equip 143 squadron which had formed at Etzion in April 1976. Just a month earlier, 109sq was the first Skyhawk unit to disband: On 1 March 1976, the unit was de-activated in order to prepare for the arrival of the Kfir C2. Its A-4Hs went to 110sq. Final Skyhawk unit to form was 141 squadron at Hatzerim: It re-opened on 6 August 1978 with the A-4E/F/N. Trips The exact units of the surviving TA-4Fs are not known. From 1980, the A-4 starts loosing ground. Late 1980, 110sq converts to the F-16A/B and transfers its A-4Hs to 141sq, replacing their A-4Es. 143sq at Etzion converts to the Kfir C2 and its A-4Es are sold to Indonesia. This top-secret program, dubbed Operasi Alpha by Indonesia, was described in detail in Scramble 344. A total of 31 A-4Es and two TA-4Hs were sold to the Muslim country. With the return of the Sinai to Egypt, Israel had to vacate its airfields as well. Etzion airbase was no exception, and 140sq had to relocate to newly constructed Ramon airbase in the Negev. On 8 November 1981, 32 Skyhawks made the move. 140sq was the IAF Fighter OTU at that time, and thus the largest IAF squadron with over forty A-4E/Ns and TA-4s in its inventory. 116sq also moved to a new home; on 3 October 1983 it relocated to Nevatim, followed by 115sq in October 1984. Articles Emergency aid: 110sq Ramat David 116sq Tel Nof 102sq Hatzerim The IAF Skyhawk OrBat for 1978: 110sq Ramat David A-4H/N (on loan) 115sq Tel Nof A-4N 116sq Tel Nof A-4N 140sq EtzionA-4E/N 143sq Etzion A-4E/N (on loan) 102sq HatzerimA-4H/TA-4H 141sq Hatzerim A-4E/F/N (on loan) FSATS HatzerimA-4/TA-4H/J Post Yom Kippur war, the Skyhawk remained an important FAC/CAS/SEAD aircraft and the fleet suffered two additional combat losses; on 19 April 1974 a 110sq A-4E was shot down over Syria and on 6 June 1982, the first day of Operation Peace for Galilee, 115sq lost an A-4N over Lebanon. See list of losses. The IAF Skyhawk OrBat for 1984: 115sq NevatimA-4N 116sq NevatimA-4N 140sq RamonA-4N 102sq HatzerimA-4H/TA-4H 141sq Hatzerim A-4F/H/N (on loan) FSATS HatzerimA-4/TA-4H/J 140sq was de-activated in the summer of 1985, preparing for the arrival of the F-16A/B. Its A-4Ns were distributed over 102sq, 115sq and 116sq. On 16 March 1986, 141sq is disbanded 3 Scramble ence, and arrived in nov/dec1973. A total of seven attrition replacement A-4Ns were added to the aircraft already on order. The final days of the war generated maybe the best-known Skyhawk modification; the extended tailpipe, or ‘Barrel’ modification to minimize damage done by an IRmissile hit. The emergency aid was distributed over the badly affected squadrons. It is unlikely that 109sq operated any of these aircraft as it was an A-4H unit. Also 115sq is not known as an A-4E/F user: Movements News at Hatzerim. Their A-4Ns go to 102sq and the A-4H/Fs are retired from service. The FSATS is merged with 102sq in 1990, thus forming the largest A-4 unit with over 40 aircraft. 115sq soldiers on with its A-4Ns until de-activated in 1994. As the sole occupant of Nevatim, 116sq finally prepares for the arrival of the F-16A/B with an A-4 farewell flight on 21 October 2002. Since October 2002, 102sq at Hatzerim is the sole user of the Skyhawk, operating over forty A-4N, TA-4H and TA-4J models in the Advanced Combat Training role for future fighter pilots, fulfilling a vital link between the Tzukit (until 2010 and replaced by the T-6 Efroni) and the fast jet fleet as well as for F-16 OTU course graduates. A small batch of three ex-USN TA-4Js was received in July 1994 (serials 747, 748 and 749, others being rejected). These aircraft never entered service and remained stored at Hatzerim until sold to US-based ATSI in 2001. In the mid-late 80’s, Argentina wanted to purchase a dozen A-4Es from Israel. Recently, details of this deal have emerged and are presented below. For yet unknown reasons the deal fell through and the airframes were subsequently stored at Hatzerim and Ovda. Shows Trips BuNo 150092 151056 151120 151164 151994 152019 152023 152030 152044 152050 152078 152097 Armada s/n 3-A-301 3-A-302 3-A-303 3-A-304 3-A-305 3-A-306 3-A-307 3-A-308 3-A-309 3-A-310 3-A-311 3-A-312 IDF serial notes 844* scrapped Hatzerim by 2013 849 current at Ovda? 899 current at Ovda? 825 current at Masoor range 863 current at Ovda? 806 current at Ovda? 820** current at Masoor range 810 Ovda from 2000 to 2010 850 current at Masoor range 854 scrapped Hatzerim by 2013 833 current at Masoor range 884 scrapped Hatzerim by 2013 * = Was stored at Hatzerim as 152099. ** = The IAF believed this a/c to be 150023. Its true identity was only discovered by IAI! Articles All the aircraft were painted in the two-tone Argentinean pale blue and reportedly had the new “last three” in red on the tails, but the aircraft were cocooned at IAI (except 844) so it is hard to confirm. Some- or all of the cocoons had the IDF serial crudely sprayed on. By 2002, the youngest Skyhawks in the inventory were 26 years old, and earlier estimates that the Skyhawk would be withdrawn by 2005 had proven premature. The three most prominent modifications to the Skyhawk fleet had been the 30 mm DEFA cannons, ‘barrel’ tail pipe and Crystal (upgrade of earlier models to A-4N standard with higher rated engine, improved HUD and weapons delivery and navigation system). With the electronics gap between the Skyhawks and IAF combat aircraft having become wider and wider, an upgrade was necessary in order to stretch its operational use with another ten to fifteen years. First the RADA ACE-II (internal Autonomous Combat Evaluation system) was installed from 2002. Satisfaction with the system initiated a broader avionics upgrade; a Mission and Fire-Control Unit (MFU), Ring-Laser-Gyro Navigation System (RNS) and multifunction cockpit display. The Improved Hawk, or Ayit Meshupar program was awarded in January 2004 and the first flight was made in December 2004. The program was completed by late 2005, with one or two additional aircraft following later on. At least 48 aircraft were upgraded; 26 A-4Ns, four TA-4Hs and eighteen TA-4Js, recognisable by the text Ayit Meshupar in Hebrew on the side of the fuselage. Their latest operational service was during the 2010 Gaza skirmish which saw them dropping leaflets over the Gaza Strip. Some 42 are still operational as of early 2013, including two TA-4Hs received in 1969, and over twenty can be seen flying on a good training day. As mentioned earlier, future fighter pilots use the Skyhawk for Advanced Combat Training; this includes reconnaissance flights, night flying, navigation, ground attack, air-to-air missions and dog fighting. However, its days are numbered. A maintenance scandal involving civilian sub-contractors initiated a replacement plan. On 19 July 2012, Israel signed a contract for the delivery of thirty Aermacchi M346i Masters for delivery from mid-2014. As of 27 November 2012, Israeli MoD’s SIBAT department is advertising and promoting the sale of 44 T/A-4 Skyhawk airframes. The offer stands until 2018, after which the fleet will be scrapped. The Skyhawk celebrated 45 years in IAF and 102sq service in January and June 2013 respectively; a magnificent achievement for Ed Heinemann’s Hot-Rod! Scramble Two TA-4Hs are operational; 544 and 545. Delivered in 1969, these machines are now 45 years old but still very active. 542 and 547 are in storage. Inset is the Ayit Meshupar logo. (Hatzerim, 26 November 2013, Marco Pennings) 4 News Movements Ayit Squadrons the Flying Tigers Squadron 13 June 1968 - current the Valley Squadron 1 January 1968 - 1 March 1976 109 Tayeset Ha’Emek 110 Tayeset Abirie Ha’Efioh 115 Tayeset Ha’Drakon Ha’Meofeef 116 Tayeset Ha’Kanaf Ha’Meofeef 140 Tayeset Nesher Ha’Zahav 141 Tayeset Ha’Ayal Ha’Nogakh 143 Tayeset Ha’Tooky Ha’Manaf The Flight School Advanced Training Squadron and FTS (below) the Knights of the North Squadron July 1971 - 1980 Trips Shows 102 Tayeset Ha’Namer Ha’Meofeef the Flying Wing Squadron March 1971 - 21 October 2002 the Golden Eagle Squadron Jan-Oct 1973, November 1973 - 1985 Articles the Flying Dragon Squadron March 1969 - 1994 the Smashing Parrot Squadron April 1976 - 1981 November 1972 - current (today as part of 102sq with 102sq badge) All upgraded 102sq A-4N, TA-4H and TA-4J Skyhawks carry the striking Flying Tigers markings on the fin and the Ayit Meshupar logo on the fuselage. They are called AyitM in the serials list. Scramble the Battering Ram Squadron August 1978 - 16 March 1986 5 Movements Ayit Serials News Shows Trips Articles Skyhawk deliveries: 155242-155289 157395-157428 157918-157925 157429-157434 157926-157929 see list see list 158492-158493 158497-158498 158502-158503 158726-158743 159035-159052 see list see list 159075-159098 159101-159104 159515-159545 159546-159556 159799-159824 152853, 153500, 153672 unknown A-4H d/d 29dec69-late68 A-4H d/d 19mar69-1969 A-4H d/d 1969 TA-4H d/d 1969 TA-4H d/d 1969 A-4E d/d 1971-1972, ex USN/USMC TA-4F d/d 1972-1973, ex USN/USMC TA-4J d/d oct72 TA-4J d/d nov72 TA-4J d/d feb73 A-4N d/d nov72-1973 A-4N d/d 1973 A-4E d/d oct/nov73, ex USN/USMC A-4F d/d oct/nov73, ex USN/USMC A-4N d/d 1973-1974 TA-4J(H)d/d may74-1974 A-4N d/d 1974-1975? TA-4J(H)d/d 1975? A-4N d/d 1976 TA-4J d/d jul94, ex USN A-4B ?, instructional airframes? Total received: 353 Total per type: A-4B instructional airframes? 2 A-4E 92 A-4F 14 A-4H 90 A-4N 117 TA-4F 4 TA-4H 10 TA-4J last three d/d were never used 24 Skyhawk sales: Indonesia Indonesia Indonesia Indonesia BAe Systems ATSI, USA ATSI, USA A-4E1980, Operasi Alpha14 TA-4H1980, Operasi Alpha2 A-4E 1981, attrition replacement 1 A-4E1981/82, Operasi Alpha II16 A-4N 2000 (# 305, 335, 373, 432) 4 A-4N 2001 (# 321, 344, 413, 395, 444)10 TA-4J 2001 (# 747, 748, 749) 3 48 34 8 6 4 60 4 2 2 2 18 18 32 14 24 4 31 11 26 3 2 In the list below we have not included the c/n because of space restrictions and because it adds nothing to the list; we have chosen the BuNo as primary identifier. BuNos underlined are to be confirmed. The list includes, from left-to-right; serial on delivery, second serial, ex USN/USMC BuNo, delivery date, last known fate and last noted date. A-4B 01 Hatzerim AB, preserved on base 09 10 A-4E 149664oct1973 to Indonesia as TT-0431 1981 149968nov1972 149971 149973oct1972 149978dec1972 to Indonesia as TT-0401 1980 149979dec1972 to Indonesia as TT-0402 1980 149986oct1972 to Indonesia as TT-0403 1980 149987jul1972 to Indonesia as TT-0404 1980 149995oct1973 149998nov1972 to Indonesia as TT-0405 1980 150003sep1972 to Indonesia as TT-0432 1981 150010oct1972 to Indonesia as TT-0406 1980 150015nov1972 to Indonesia as TT-0433 1981 150016oct1973 150025aug1972 to Indonesia as TT-0407 1980 150026 150031sep1972 150039oct1972 150042jun1972 to Indonesia as TT-0408 1980 150060aug1972 150065sep1972 150066aug1972 to Indonesia as TT-0409 1980 150082 150087oct1973 to Indonesia as TT-0434 1981 150091oct1973 150117nov1972 150120nov1972 to Indonesia as TT-0410 1980 150124oct1973 150125sep1972 to Indonesia as TT-0411 1980 150134oct1973 150138oct1973 151027aug1972 to Indonesia as TT-0435 1981 Scramble Indonesia was the recipient of 33 ex-Israeli A-4E and TA-4H Skyhawks in 1980-1982. A-4E TT-0433 is reported to be BuNo 150015 and was delivered to Israel in November 1972 making it a Yom Kippur War veteran. (Jakarta-Halim, 5 October 1995, Marco Pennings) 6 Movements News Shows Trips Articles 208 808 141sq 79 810 152030 Ovda AB but no positive sighting 10 813 110sq 814 151139 Hatzerim AB mus. scrap by nov08 may08 815 143sq apr80 819 to Indonesia 820 152023apr1971 Bombing Range 90 (Masoor) mar13 825 151164 aug1971 Bombing Range 90 (Masoor) mar13 826 227 827 116sq 831 102sq 832 833 152078aug1971 Bombing Range 90 (Masoor) mar13 835 Is NOT ex 235. 76 236 836 110sq 837 149647 Ovda AB apr01 838 842 843 110sq 844 150092aug1972 Hatzerim AB mus. scrap by apr13 may08 846 Bombing Range 90 (Masoor) mar13 849 151056 Ovda AB apr01 850 152044jul1971 Bombing Range 90 (Masoor) mar13 851 110sq 853 Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion jun89 854 152050 Hatzerim AB mus. scrap by apr13 may08 858 Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion apr93 859 110sq 860 110sq 262 862 110sq 863 151994 Ovda AB apr01 266 866 143sq 76 873 110sq 874 140sq 875 w/o 13jan1974 876 879 w/o 18dec1980 880 149994 Haifa AB may05 881 149984 1973 Tel Aviv-Holtz apr01 882 883 150095 Tel Aviv-Holtz may00 884 152097 prob. pres. Ramon nov13 885 151177 oct1973 Hatzerim AB jun13 886 Ovda AB apr01 887 149990 Tel Aviv-Holtz may00 888 Ovda AB may08 889 Ovda AB apr01 890 Hatzerim AB 89 891 149964oct1973 Hatzerim AB museum disp.3 apr13 892 Tel Aviv-Holtz apr01 893 150090 oct1973 Hatzerim AB jul05 894 Tel Aviv-Holtz may00 895 150127 Tel Aviv-Holtz apr01 296?896 897 898 140sq 899 151120 nov1973 140sq, now at Ovda? nov81 A-4F 154178oct1973 154188oct1973 154191oct1973 154195oct1973 154212oct1973 154990oct1973 154997oct1973 154998oct1973 155007oct1973 155008oct1973 155040oct1973 155043oct1973 155058oct1973 155065oct1973 601 602 Range 603 Ramon AB 604 Ovda AB nov99 nov13 nov13 7 Scramble 151028nov1973 to Indonesia as TT-0436 1981 151040oct1973 151066oct1973 151072oct1973 to Indonesia as TT-0437 1981 151079sep1972 to Indonesia as TT-0438 1981 151084oct1973 151086sep1973 151098jun1972 to Indonesia as TT-0439 1981 151100 151110 jun1972 to Indonesia as TT-0440 1981 151121 151129 mar1971 151137may1971 151147jul1971 151148jul1971 151156jun1971 151163oct1973 151169feb1971 151184 151187jun1972 151189 feb1971 to Indonesia as TT-0441 1981 151190feb1971 151987aug1971 151989mar1971 to Indonesia as TT-0442 1981 151996mar1971 152006oct1973 152007mar1971 to Indonesia as TT-0412 1980 152013feb1971 to Indonesia as TT-0417 1981 152014mar1971 152017apr1971 to Indonesia as TT-0413 1980 152031aug1971 152033jun1971 152035may1971 152037may1971 to Indonesia as TT-0443 1981 152058jul1971 152059jun1971 1520621971 to Indonesia as TT-0444 1981 152064jun1971 to Indonesia as TT-0445 1981 152079sep1971 152083aug1971 152089aug1971 to Indonesia as TT-0414 1980 152090aug1971 70 110sq, w/o 19apr1974 204 116sq, w/o 09oct1973 205 116sq, damaged 17may1971 may71 207 116sq, w/o 02apr1971 209 Hatzerim AB apr99 211 116sq, w/o 07oct1973 213 Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion, rear fuselage only 215 116sq 216 116sq, damaged 7oct1973 oct73 218 110sq, w/o 09oct1973 220 116sq oct73 221 116sq, w/o 09oct1973 222 110sq, w/o 17oct1973 224 110sq 225 110sq 71 226 110sq, w/o 08oct1973 229 116sq, w/o 09oct1973 234 Hatzerim AB apr99 235 110sq, w/o 06oct1973 239 110sq, w/o 07oct1973 241 116sq, w/o 11oct1973 245 110sq, w/o 09oct1973 247 116sq oct73 253 152032jul1971 110sq, w/o 18oct1973 255 110sq, w/o 07oct1973 257 110sq, w/o 12oct1973 258 266 267 110sq, w/o 07oct1973 272 116sq 288 116sq oct73 800 Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion, to Argentina? 87 805 806 152019 Ovda AB apr01 Movements News Shows Some birds meet sad ends, like A-4E 151164 (#825) which was shot-up at Bombing Range 90 near Masoor in the Negev. Up to a dozen A-4s should still be present at two ranges in Israel. (28 March 2013, David Weinrich) Trips 605 Ovda AB 606 Ovda AB 607 w/o 11jul1984 608 Bombing Range 80 610 Ovda AB 611 1550101973 Hatzerim AB 141sq markings 612 102sq 613 w/o 09jan1974 (1975?) 614 Ovda AB 141sq markings 616 Articles A-4H Scramble 01 155242f/f oct67 02 03 155243 04 155258 05 205 155244 dec1967 07 155245dec1967 08 155260 09 155246dec1967 10 11 211 12 to 212? 15 215 17 217 18 19 219 20 220 21 221 22 222 23 223 24 25 225 26 27 28 228 29 229 30 230 31 231 32 232 33 233 34 35 235 36 37 237 8 109sq, w/o 13oct1973 102sq, w/o 19aug1969 109sq, w/o 18oct1973 102sq, w/o 8oct1973 Ovda AB 109sq, w/o 29jan1968 102sq, w/o 11oct1973 w/o 03jul1970, as 209? 109sq, w/o 09oct1973 Karmiel nov13 nov13 apr14 nov13 apr13 jul77 nov13 nov13 apr13 Haifa AB apr13 141sq w/o 13mar1969 Ovda AB nov13 Bombing Range 80 apr14 Ovda AB nov13 Hatzerim AB museum disp.3 apr13 Ovda AB apr01 102sq, w/o 06oct1973 Ovda AB nov13 109sq, w/o 09sep1969 109sq, w/o 12oct1973 Ovda AB, tail only? nov13 Hatzerim AB mus. scrap by apr13 may08 Hatzerim AB museum disp.3 apr13 Bombing Range 80 apr14 Bombing Range 90 (Masoor) mar13 w/o 21jan1975 109sq, w/o 07oct1973 Bombing Range 90 (Masoor) mar13 109sq, damaged 7oct1973 oct73 Ovda AB nov13 38 238 Ovda AB apr01 39 239 Ovda AB apr01 40 240 Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion, with IAI may08 41 241 Ramat David AB apr13 42 242 109sq 47 141sq 49 102sq 50 155275 102sq, w/o 9oct1973 51 155276 102sq, w/o 16oct1973 52 109sq, w/o 15oct1973 53 102sq, w/o 07oct1973 54 102sq, w/o 06oct1973 55 255 Ovda AB may06 56 256 Ovda AB nov13 58 102sq, w/o 11oct1973 58 258 141sq 59 102sq, w/o 17oct1973 60 102sq, w/o 07oct1973 61 261 Hatzerim AB mus. scrap by apr13 may08 62 262 Ovda AB apr01 63 263 Ovda AB nov13 64 102sq, w/o 06oct1973 264 w/o 01mar1970, but see 64! 65 265 Ovda AB nov13 66 102sq, w/o 09oct1973 67 267 IAI 75 68 102sq, w/o 07oct1973 69 109sq, w/o 21oct1973 70 270 Hatzerim painted as 272 by nov08 apr13 71 271 Ovda AB apr01 72 272 Ovda AB nov13 73 273 116sq 74 274 Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion, with IAI may06 75 275 115sq, w/o 03oct1973 76 102sq, w/o 16jan1970 77 277 Ovda AB nov13 78 278 w/o 04oct1981 79 279 109sq, w/o 09oct1973 80 280 Ovda AB apr01 82 282 Ovda AB nov13 83 102sq, w/o 11oct1973 84 284 85 102sq 86 109sq 87 109sq, w/o 06oct1973 apr13 nov13 nov13 apr13 may76 jun13 may13 apr13 apr13 13 nov13 nov13 may13 Movements News to N267WL may02 to N266WL dec01 to N269WL may02 to N265WL dec01 to N264WL dec01 140sq 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 102sq/FTS, AyitM by jun07 to N431FSsep01 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 Hatzerim AB mus. disp.5, AyitM 115sq 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 102sq/FTS, AyitM by oct08 Hatzerim AB mus. disp.5, AyitM 115sq, w/o 07oct1973 102sq Hatzerim AB mus. disp.5 w/o 29feb1976 Nevatim gate, 140sq mks 115sq, w/o 14jul1974 Ovda AB w/o 04jun1978 102sq/FTS, AyitM by 2008 to N260WL may01 115sq, w/o 11oct1973 115sq, w/o 30aug1992 102sq/FTS, AyitM by jun05 116sq, sold to ATSI or w/o Several Skyhawks have found their way into civilian hands. Four A-4Ns were sold to BAe Systems in 2000 and can still be seen at Wittmund today. N434FS (ex 159815 #373) is showing off its red tail feathers after returning from a sortie. (Wittmund, 30 July 2008, Marco Pennings) 9 Scramble Articles 159051 159534 159536 159544 159823 301 302 303 305 159805 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 158734 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 158730 322 158726f/f jun72 323 324 158729 325 Shows A-4N apr01 nov13 may05 apr14 326 116sq, w/o 28oct1974 327 Hatzerim AB, AyitM wreck by sep10oct12 328 Ramat David AB apr13 329 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 sep10 330 159046 Ovda AB nov13 331 116sq 01 332 102 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 nov13 333 159047 Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion, with IAI may08 334 115sq, w/o 06jun1982 335 159078 to N437FS sep01 336 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 may13 337 Hatzerim AB mus. disp.5 apr13 338 Ovda AB, 116sq-markings nov13 339 w/o 14oct1979 340 102sq/FTS, AyitM by dec2008 apr13 341 Haifa AB may05 342 159808 102sq/FTS, AyitM dec04 may13 343 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 apr13 344 159523 to N263WL oct01 345 102sq/FTS, AyitM by oct08 nov13 346 116sq 347 w/o 12nov1974 348 w/o 29apr1981 349 115sq, lost or sold 92 350 Ovda AB, prob. transf. to ATSI apr01 351 Ovda AB, also may13? may08 352 353 Ovda AB nov13 354 Ovda AB nov13 355 w/o 18feb1980 356 159810 Ovda AB nov13 357 102sq/FTS, AyitM by 2010 may13 358 159812 Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion, with IAI may08 359 Hatzerim AB museum disp.3 apr13 360 w/o 18feb1980 361 115sq, w/o 07oct1973 362 Ovda AB may08 363 115sq, w/o 08oct1973 364 Hatzerim AB museum disp.5 apr13 365 Hatzerim AB museum disp.5 apr13 Trips 88 288 89 109sq 90 102sq, w/o 09oct1973 91 291 Ovda AB 92 292 Ovda AB 93 293 Haifa AB 96 296 Bombing Range 80 98 115sq 99 157920 109sq, w/o 18oct1973 Movements News Shows The 102 Squadron Commanders bird A-4N Ayit Meshupar 102 (ex 332) is the sole aircraft with the high-viz 45 Years Flying Tigers markings on the fin. By 2017, this sight will be gone forever... (Hatzerim, 26 November 2013, Marco Pennings) Trips Articles Scramble 366 115sq, w/o 08oct1973 367 Hatzerim AB museum disp.5 apr13 368 Hatzerim AB museum disp.5 apr13 370 w/o nov1982 371 Hatzerim AB museum disp.5 apr13 372 Ovda AB nov13 373 159815 to N434FS sep01 374 116sq, w/o 01may1983 375 115sq 83 376 Ovda AB nov13 377 159089 Hatzerim AB museum disp.5 apr13 378 115sq, w/o 11oct1973 379 159816 Hatzerim AB museum disp.3 apr13 380 Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion, with IAI may06 381 w/o 17dec1976 382 w/o 11dec1977 383 Ovda AB, prob. also may13 may05 384 159078? Ovda AB, apr01 tail only nov13 385 159045 Hatzerim AB museum disp.5 apr13 386 116sq or 102sq, w/o 15nov1998 387 102sq/FTS, AyitM by apr06 nov13 388 w/o 15jan1980 389 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 may13 390 115sq 82 391 102sq/FTS, AyitM by jul07 may13 392 159820 Ovda AB nov13 393 Hatzerim AB museum disp.3 apr13 394 Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion, with IAI nov08 395 159530 to N268WL may02 396 102sq/FTS, w/o 11feb2004 397 Hatzerim AB mus. store, rear fusel.may08 398 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 oct12 399 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may2012 jun13 401 102sq/FTS, w/o 31may2007 as AyitM 403 w/o 04may83, or is collision on 1may83? 405 115sq 82 407 Hatzerim AB museum disp.3 apr13 409 140sq 411 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 nov13 413 159533 to N261WL jun01 415 157415** Ovda AB, serial needs confirmationapr01 417 115sq 82 419 102sq/FTS 90 421 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may06 may13 423 Ovda AB, prob. also may08 may06 425 427 159541 Ovda AB nov13 432 159542 to N432FS sep01 438 102sq/FTS 440 444 159545 to N262WL oct01 10 TA-4F 153464may1972 153466may1972 153470may1972 153514jun1972 164 w/o 27may1984 565 109sq, w/o 10oct1973 566 166 w/o 08mar1977 567 109sq, w/o 13oct1973 TA-4H 157429f/f apr69 1574301969 41 541 1969 42 542 1969 43 1969 44 544 1969 45 545 1969 46 1969 47 547 1969 48 548 1969 49 549 1969 to Indonesia as TL-0415 1980 to Indonesia as TL-0416 1980 to Indonesia Hatzerim AB mus. store as AyitM 102sq, w/o 13oct1973 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 102sq/FTS, AyitM by sep08 102sq, w/o 8oct1973 Hatzerim AB mus. store as AyitM w/o 09jan1974 (1975?) w/o 06jul1976 404 406 411 16 432 701 702 703 704 705 706 708 158503feb1973 710 711 712 715 716 719 720 721 1595541974 723 725 726 728 729 730 1595561974 732 745 157434* 747 152853jul1994 748 153500jul1994 749 153672jul1994 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 102sq/FTS, AyitM by jun06 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 102sq/FTS, AyitM by dec10 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 102sq/FTS, AyitM by 05 102sq 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 102sq/FTS, AyitM 102sq/FTS, AyitM 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may06 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 102sq/FTS, AyitM by oct08 102sq/FTS, AyitM by nov08 102sq/FTS, AyitM by oct08 116sq, w/o 27jul1998 w/o 12aug1990 * ** = = TA-4J 102sq/FTS, AyitM by sep08 w/o 29oct1975 102sq/FTS, AyitM by may08 to N250WL jul01 to N251WL oct01 to N252WL jul01 157434 is a TA-4H, so unlikely 157415 is a A-4H, so unlikely apr13 nov13 nov13 apr13 nov13 may13 may13 nov13 nov13 nov13 may13 apr13 nov13 nov13 oct12 nov13 may13 nov13 nov13 nov13 nov13 may13 11 Movements News Shows details pilot Ya’acov Agassi POW. pilot Shmuel Yadid killed. pilot Nissim Ashkenazi POW, shot down by Egyptian SAM over southern sector of Suez Canal. pilot Haqai Ronen ejected but MIA, shot down by Egyptian AAA nr Gulf of Suez. pilot Dov Peleg KIA, shot down by Egyptian AAA in Gulf of Suez area. pilot Nadav Israeli killed, Night Flight. But see 6oct73! pilot Avner Hadar (Horwitz) killed, CFIT. pilot Uri Gadot recovered, ejected above Tel Nof, Engine Loss. pilot Reuven Rot killed, Night Flight, vertigo. No loss reported on this date! pilot Ami Goldshtein (Gadish ?) (115sq CO) killed, low level flight, hit ground. pilot Yanki Yardeni recovered, shot down by Syrian SA-2 over Golan Heights at 15:30. pilot Matti Carp recovered, shot down by Egyptian AAA north of Great Bitter Lake at 17:30. pilot Yishay Katziri POW, shot down by Egyptian SA-7 east of Suez Canal at 17:00. pilot Ehud Sadan KIA, shot down by Egyptian AAA over Suez Canal at 18:30. pilot Eitan Hanan KIA, shot down by Syrian SAM over Golan Heights at 14:30. pilot Amnon Shamir recovered, shot down by Syrian AAA over Golan Heights at 08:30. pilot Levi Bar-Ziv KIA, shot down by Egyptian SAM. pilot Rafael Lev KIA, shot down by Syrian SAM. pilot Moshe Astraicher KIA, shot down by Egyptian AAA. pilot Yoram Lapidot KIA, shot down by Egyptian SAM. pilot Zvi Horovitz KIA, shot down by Syrian SAM. pilot Shai Avital KIA, shot down by Egyptian SAM. pilot Libby Daller KIA, shot down by Egyptian SAM over Suez Canal. pilot Shimon Ash MIA, shot down by Egyptian SAM over Suez Canal. pilot Israel Rozenblum KIA, shot down by Syrian AAA. pilot Lobashevsky recovered, hit over Syria but pilot ejected west of Golan Heights at 06:00. pilot Zvika Bashan KIA, shot down by Egyptian SAM. pilot Zvi Rosen POW, shot down by Egyptian SAM over southern sector of Suez Canal. pilot Schwager recovered, lost over Egyptian front. pilot Gideon Ben Eliezer KIA, shot down by Egyptian AAA. pilot Amon Gardi POW, shot down by Egyptian AAA. pilot Assaf Matos POW, shot down by Egyptian AAA. pilot Lev “Zorik” Arlozor (Ramat David Wing CO) KIA, pilot incapacitated and killed, dived into sea near Port Said, Egypt. pilot Yaniv Litany KIA, shot down by Egyptian AAA. pilot Ehud (Udi) Shelach (116sq CO) KIA, shot down by Egyptian SAM near south entrance of Suez Canal at 07:00 hrs. pilot Gideon Sharon recovered, shot down by Syrian SAM over Golan. pilot unknown recovered, lost over Syria. pilot Edmi recovered, lost over Syria. pilot Pedro Reinberg POW, shot down by Egyptian AAA. pilot Kadmon recovered, lost over Egypt. pilot Mario Shaked KIA, shot down by Egyptian SAM. pilot Yehuda Ben-Ari KIA, shot down by Syrian SAM over Golan Heights. pilot Noach Hertz POW, shot down by Syrian SAM over Golan Heights. pilot Tron POW, lost over Syria over Golan Heights. pilot Ze’ev Nesher POW, shot down by Syrian AAA over Golan Heights. pilot Amiram Guy POW, shot down by Syrian SAM over Golan Heights. pilot Itzhak Ofer KIA, shot down by Syrian SAM over northern Golan Heights. pilot Michael Shneider POW, shot down by Syrian SAM over northern Golan Heights. pilot Peleg ejected over Israel and recovered, hit by Syrian SAM over Golan. pilot Israel (Irik) Baster-Bar KIA, shot down by Syrian SAM over Golan. pilot Arad recovered, hit by Syrian SAM over Golan Heights. pilot Gavriel Garzon POW, shot down by Syrian AAA over Golan Heights. pilot Ron Ofri ejected but killed, navigator Yehuda Shefer ejected and recovered, shot down by Egyptian SA-2 east of Suez Canal. pilot Raviv recovered, shot down by Syrian AAA, ejected over sea at 15:00. No loss reported! pilot Gavriel Sa’ar KIA, shot down by Syrian AAA over Golan at 15:00. No loss reported! pilot Menachem Eyal KIA, shot down by Egyptian AAA over Deversoir at 14:00. pilot Maoz Poraz KIA, shot down by Egyptian AAA in Kantara sector at 11:00. pilot Shoham recovered, lost over Deversoir sector, Egypt at 11:00. pilot Haim Gofen ejected safely, hit by Egyptian SAM in Kantara sector, Returned to Israel but lost and crashed on approach to Ramat David, Four IDF/AF killed on the ground at 10:30. pilot Geideon Sharon POW, shot down by Egyptian SAM in Kantara sector at 10:00. pilot Jacob Kubik recovered, shot down by Egyptian SAM in Kantara sector at 10:00. pilot Gershon Reshef (Fonk) KIA, shot down by SA-2 east of the Suez Canal in Kantara sector at 10:00. pilot Eitan Lahav KIA, shot down by Syrian SAM or dived into ground over Mount Hermon due to disorientation at 11:15. pilot ejected safely, mid air collision with TA-4H # 548. *Year could be 1975. crew Amos Aharonov / HW recovered, mid air collision with A-4F # 613. *Year could be 1975. pilot Shaul ejected safely, mid-air with F-4E. Trips date serialcodetype unit w/o 29jan1968 07 A-4H 109sq w/o 13mar1969 18 A-4H w/o 19aug1969 02 A-4H 102sq w/o 09sep1969 26 A-4H 109sq w/o 16jan1970 76 A-4H 102sq w/o 01mar1970 264 A-4H w/o 03jul1970 209 A-4H w/o 02apr1971 207 A-4E 116sq w/o 01may1971 no loss? A-4 w/o 03oct1973 275 A-4H 115sq w/o 06oct1973 235 A-4E 110sq w/o 06oct1973 24 724 A-4H 102sq w/o 06oct1973 54 754 A-4H 102sq w/o 06oct1973 64 A-4H 102sq w/o 06oct1973 87 187 A-4H 109sq w/o 07oct1973 211 A-4E 116sq w/o 07oct1973 239 A-4E 110sq w/o 07oct1973 255 A-4E 110sq w/o 07oct1973 267 A-4E 110sq w/o 07oct1973 34 134 A-4H 109sq w/o 07oct1973 53 753 A-4H 102sq w/o 07oct1973 60 760 A-4H 102sq w/o 07oct1973 68 768 A-4H 102sq w/o 07oct1973 312 A-4N 115sq w/o 07oct1973 361 A-4N 115sq w/o 08oct1973 226 A-4E 110sq w/o 08oct1973 363 A-4N 115sq w/o 08oct1973 366 A-4N 115sq w/o 08oct1973 04 704 A-4H 102sq w/o 08oct1973 746 TA-4H 102sq w/o 09oct1973 50 750 A-4H 102sq w/o 09oct1973 204 A-4E 116sq w/o 09oct1973 218 A-4E 110sq w/o 09oct1973 221 A-4E 116sq w/o 09oct1973 229 A-4E 116sq w/o 09oct1973 245 A-4E 110sq w/o 09oct1973 279 A-4H 109sq w/o 09oct1973 10 A-4H 109sq w/o 09oct1973 66 766 A-4H 102sq w/o 09oct1973 90 790 A-4H 102sq w/o 09oct1973 n/n A-4N 115sq w/o 10oct1973 565 TA-4F 109sq w/o 11oct1973 241 A-4E 116sq w/o 11oct1973 08 708 A-4H 102sq w/o 11oct1973 58 A-4H 102sq w/o 11oct1973 83 A-4H 102sq w/o 11oct1973 322 A-4N 115sq w/o 11oct1973 378 A-4N 115sq w/o 12oct1973 257 A-4E 110sq w/o 12oct1973 27 A-4H 109sq w/o 13oct1973 01 A-4H 109sq w/o 13oct1973 567 TA-4F 109sq w/o 13oct1973 743 TA-4H 102sq w/o 15oct1973 no loss? A-4H 109sq w/o 15oct1973 52 152 A-4H 109sq w/o 16oct1973 51 751 A-4H 102sq w/o 17oct1973 222 A-4E 110sq w/o 17oct1973 59 A-4H 102sq w/o 18oct1973 n/n A-4E 110sq control w/o 18oct1973 253 A-4E 110sq w/o 18oct1973 03 A-4H 109sq w/o 18oct1973 99 A-4H 109sq w/o 21oct1973 69 169 A-4H 109sq w/o 09jan1974* 613 A-4F w/o 09jan1974* 548 TA-4H w/o 13jan1974 875 A-4E Articles So far we have identified some 102 losses which we present below. Scramble Ayit Losses Movements News Shows Trips w/o 19apr1974 70 A-4E 110sq w/o 14jul1974 317 A-4N w/o 28oct1974 326 A-4N 116sq w/o 12nov1974 347 A-4N w/o 21jan1975 233 A-4H w/o 29oct1975 732 TA-4J w/o 29feb1976 315 A-4N w/o 06jul1976 549 TA-4H w/o 17dec1976 381 A-4N w/o 08mar1977 166 TA-4F w/o 07feb1977 n/n A-4 w/o 24jun1977 n/n A-4 w/o 11dec1977 382 A-4N w/o 04jun1978 319 A-4N w/o 14oct1979 339 A-4N w/o 15jan1979 n/n A-4 w/o 15jan1980 388 A-4N w/o 18feb1980 355 A-4N w/o 18feb1980 360 A-4N w/o 18dec1980 879 A-4E w/o 29apr1981 348 A-4N w/o 04oct1981 278 A-4H w/o 06jun1982 334 A-4N 115sq w/o nov1982 370 A-4N w/o nov1982 n/n A-4N w/o 01may1983 374 A-4N 116sq w/o 04may1983 403 A-4N w/o 05feb1984 n/n A-4 w/o 27may1984 164 TA-4F w/o 11jul1984 607 A-4F w/o 12aug1990 728 TA-4J w/o 30aug1992 323 A-4N 115sq w/o 27jul1998 726 TA-4J 116sq w/o 15nov1998 386 A-4N 116sq** w/o 11feb2004 396 A-4N 102sq w/o 31may2007 401 A-4N 102sq pilot Aryeh Dubnov KIA, shot down by Syrian AAA/SAM. pilot Avraham Yakir killed, night flight, night vertigo. pilot Yosef “Sefi” Levin killed, bird strike. pilot David recovered, generator failure. pilot Menachem Eliyahu. pilot fate unknown, explosion. pilot Moshe Gerev. pilot Avraham Baharav killed, night vertigo after take-off from Hatzerim. pilot Simon ejected safely. pilot Shai Cohen killed, stall and spiral spin. pilot Dov Cohen killed, crash at sea. pilot Avi Shani killed, mid-air col. pilot Yariv Gershoni ejected safely, engine failure. pilot Uriel Bina killed, collided with F-4E #680 in dogfight training. pilot Lion Goldenberg killed. pilot unknown, recovered, bird Ingestion. pilot Netanel Eldar killed. pilot Eitan Erez killed, crashed into mountain while descending in clouds. pilot Yosef Gordon killed, crashed into mountain while descending in clouds. pilot Daniel Glazer killed, vertigo while towing target. pilot Ilan G ejected safely, collided with another A-4 (landed safely). pilot Eddi Lev killed, mechanical failure, pilot couldn’t eject. pilot Aharon Ahiaz ejected but POW (until 20aug1982), shot down by Palestinian SA-7 near Beaufort Fortress, Lebanon at 08:00. crew Amir / Kremer recovered, collision with TA-4 , crew Amir / Kremer recovered, engine failure, collision with #370, reported as TA-4. pilot Shraqa ejected safely, collided with F-15D #957 106sq during a dog fight ripping off complete right wing of F-15, pilot Capt (res) Ziv Nedivi and navigator Maj, Yehoar Gal landed safely at Ramon pilot “Y” involuntarily ejected but survived, bird strike. Is collision above? pilot Danny Insler killed. crew Daniel Gury / Ilan Rozental KWF, fire caused by fuel leak. pilot Benyamin Wolfson killed, probably vertigo. crew fate unknown, canopy blew off. pilot Ram Dagan killed. crew recovered, engine failure pilot ejected safely, engine failure. **Could be 102sq. pilot 1st Lt Y ejected at 17.000ft and was picked up by S-70, but was only slightly injured, crashed near Yatta, south of Hebron, near the Dead Sea, due to a fire. pilot ejected and rescued, engine fire, crashed into the sea near Ashdod coast. Acknowledgements: Many thanks go to Avinoam Myasnikov for the Argentinean connection, and David Weinrich for adding many losses and fates. Articles Scramble A sight slowly disappearing; stored A-4s at Hatzerim. This A-4E (BuNo 152097) marked 884 on the rear fuselage belonged to the batch destined for Argentina but was never delivered. It was gone by April 2013, and may now be preserved at Ramon. (Hatzerim, 6 May 2008, Marco Pennings) 12